Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-09-15
THE GOLDEN GALE.
Mr.. Optimus Codd Renders a
Friendly Service.

''He's the incarnation of fat divi-
dends."
as he so very rich?"
Rolling in money-might buy up
half the city, they say"
'And really, now 1 come to look at
him, not a bad looking man." MUIR
INJURED the Countess. focusing the gem
tieman under discussion with very
effective double eye-glass.
Geraldine, my love, that is Mr.
Optimus Codd over there in the door,
way"
The beautiful Geraldine turned a
very naughty head and gave scornful
little laugh.
land who, pray, mamma, is Mr.
Optimus Codd?"
The young man standing between
the two ladies looked steadily at the
beautiful young lady in diaphanous
white tulle, saying:
''He is the Golden Calf of this year,
Lady Geraldine. You will soon know
him by sight. He is making his mark
in society. He has asked to be pre-
scented to you. Lady Umfreville. have
your permission"
The Countess smiled gracious con-
sent on Mr.. Rupert Paulet. She at
once absolvcd this penniless detriment-
al. who had been hanging about her
sacriticial lamb too closely of late, for
his past offcnscs. 1t was such a very
desirable matter to get hold of this
millionaire stock-broker at an early
part of his career.
Mr.. Optimus Codd in his own sphere
was man of mark. People in the
city pointed at him respectfully as the
posseSsor of untold wealth, but it had
only recently entered the mind of this
cnterprising operator to make an eff
fort to enter fashionable society. This
great man-for he was very great in
the realms of stocks and ''the things
that are always going up and down in
the city"-had recently purchased n
house in Mayfair, where he gave
most recherche banquets. He had
also contrived to be elected to two or
three good clubs. In consequence So
ciety was making inquiries about him,
and using every endeavor to substan-
tiate the rumors of his enormous
wealth. Doors could not 6e shut upon
an absolute Cr9sus. In exterior the
gentleman who was the object of so
many attentions was not at all prepos-
sessing. in spite of Lady Umfreville' $
charitable verdict. He had good
natured. fat face, with no salient
features, and reddish hair of a re-
fractory nature. His small gray eyes
had. however, at times singularly
keen and acute regard. Such eyes
might fathom a good deal of humbug.
He dressed well and wore no jewelry,
bearing the manner and voice of a
gentleman. His discretion showed it
self in nothing more than in his ability
to keep silence about himself and
Others.
When Mr.. Codd slowly made his
way across the ballroom toward the
striking group near the conservatory
he was the object Of many regards.
After the Hon. Rupert had presented
his friend in due form to the stately
Countess and her lovely daughter, he
remained few minutes in converse
ton with the party. finally Offering his
arm to convey her ladyship to supper
She gave an anxious backward look
toward Lady Geraldine and the hand
some young man left near her. 1t was
unavoidable; the only thing to be done
was to put her wits together and make
the most of the present opportunity.
You have box at the opera, 1 be-
lieve, Mr.. Gold? We are so anxious
to hear Patti on her first night"
This was an audacious opening, but
the Countess. being poor and widow.
never linched before an attempt os this
sort 1t was her duty to make use of
rich acquaintance.
Il shall be delighted if you will ac-
cept my box for that evening"" was
the natural rejoinder from one unused
to impecunious Countesses.
Lady Umfreville went away smiling
that evening, and thankfully felt that